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Disparage vs Besmirch - What's the difference?

disparage | besmirch |

As verbs the difference between disparage and besmirch

is that disparage is to match unequally; to degrade or dishonor while besmirch is to make dirty; to soil.

As a noun disparage

is inequality in marriage; marriage with an inferior.

disparage

English

Noun

(-)
  • (obsolete) Inequality in marriage; marriage with an inferior.
  • * 1596 , (Edmund Spenser), The Faerie Queene , IV.8:
  • But, for his meane degree might not aspire / To match so high, her friends with counsell sage / Dissuaded her from such a disparage […].

    Verb

    (disparag)
  • To match unequally; to degrade or dishonor.
  • To dishonor by a comparison with what is inferior; to lower in rank or estimation by actions or words; to speak slightingly of; to depreciate; to undervalue.
  • * Bishop Atterbury
  • those forbidding appearances which sometimes disparage the actions of men sincerely pious
  • * Milton
  • Thou durst not thus disparage glorious arms.
  • To ridicule, mock, discredit.
  • See also

    * vilipend * belittle * denigrate * excoriate

    besmirch

    English

    Verb

    (es)
  • To make dirty; to soil.
  • To tarnish something, especially someone's reputation; to debase.
  • The newspaper was on a campaign to besmirch the actor.